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Britain was a fully democratic country by 1914 - Scottish Highers History - Question 25 - 2018
Question 25
Britain was a fully democratic country by 1914. How valid is this view?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Britain was a fully democratic country by 1914 - Scottish Highers History - Question 25 - 2018
Step 1
The widening of the franchise
Answer
The extension of the franchise was a significant factor in the democratization of Britain, specifically through the Reform Acts of 1867 and 1884. In 1867, skilled working-class men in towns gained the right to vote. By 1884, more rural men also received voting rights, although it wasn't until 1918 that a larger segment of the population, including most men over 21 and women over 30, were enfranchised. This gradual expansion highlights that while democracy was improving, it was not yet fully realized by 1914.
Step 2
Corruption and intimidation
Answer
Corruption and acts of intimidation also played a role in undermining the democratic process during this period. The introduction of the Secret Ballot Act in 1872 aimed to reduce corruption by ensuring voters could cast their votes privately. However, intimidation often persisted, as seen with the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act in 1883, which was an effort to address corrupt practices but did not eliminate them entirely.
Step 3
Distribution of seats
Answer
The re-distribution of parliamentary seats in 1867 and 1885 contributed to a fairer system of representation; however, the effectiveness of this distribution varied. In areas where a landlord or employer had dominance, working-class voters often found their influence diminished, suggesting that while the structure of representation was on the right track, true equality in the electoral process was not realized by 1914.
Step 4
Choice and political representation
Answer
Despite the broader franchise, the working-class electorate still faced challenges regarding political representation. By the 1880s, there was no unified representation of working-class interests, as the Liberal and Conservative parties primarily represented the upper classes. This lack of choice diminished the concept of a fully democratic society since political representation did not reflect the constituents' diverse needs.
Step 5
National Party Organisation
Answer
The development of national political organizations in the late 19th century, such as the Liberal Federation and the Conservative Party, contributed to the growth of political participation. However, the national parties often aligned with elite interests rather than the general populace, thus limiting the democratic nature of these organizations.
Step 6
Membership of the House of Commons
Answer
The process for becoming a Member of Parliament (MP) was formally established in 1858, yet many MPs were still drawn from the upper echelons of society. This dynamic posed a challenge to the ideal of representation, as the Parliament did not reflect the broader demographic of the British population by 1914.
Step 7
Conclusion
Answer
In summary, while Britain made significant strides towards democracy by 1914 with the widening of the franchise, the introduction of voting protections, and incremental reforms, key factors such as corruption, unequal representation, and a lack of genuine choice indicate that Britain was not yet a fully democratic country. Many citizens remained disenfranchised, and the existing political structure still catered largely to elite interests. Therefore, the view that Britain was fully democratic by 1914 is only partially valid.